In This Issue
T
he Rt. Rev. Brian W. Keith, Executive Bishop of the General Church, discusses
three motions from the March meetings of the Board of Directors: to establish a
joint lay-clergy communication committee; to seek greater clarity in decision-making
in the Church; and further exploration of gender roles and restrictions in the Church.
(Page 238)
As we celebrate New Church Day on the 19th of June, the Rev. Malcolm G. Smith
looks at the many references to Jerusalem in the Word, and what the terms New
Jerusalem and New Church mean to our church and our lives. “People in the New
Church,” he says, “have the New Church in them – in their minds, in their hearts, in
their lives.” (Page 241)
What can we say is really “new” about the New Church? The Rev. Daniel W.
Goodenough says its newness is not from us but from the Lord, because of what He has
revealed. It is new because that revelation is about making our spirits happy, not our
bodies. (Page 249)
There are two distinctive holidays in the United States this time of year – Memorial
Day in late May, honoring those who have died in war, and the Fourth of July, celebrating
the nation’s independence. Two sermons focused on these observances also speak to
universal themes about love of country, freedom and sacrifice. The Rev. James H. (Jay)
Barry talks about The Rim of Gold – a border protecting what is good in one’s country.
(Page 252) The Rev. Howard A. Thompson looks at the larger issue of The Freedom to be
New Church. Wouldn’t it be nice, he asks, if we spent the time between the 19th of June
and the 4th of July “reflecting on the freedom required to be New Church”? (Page 257)
Writing as a concerned and dedicated New Churchman, Peter Boericke looks at the
issues and challenges the Church is facing: A Wake-Up Call: Will the General Church
Survive and Thrive? The issues include: the vision – or lack of it – for the future; young
adults not joining the Church; the slow growth of the Church; whether or not relevant
issues are being addressed; whether New Church education is financially viable; the
loss of open communication; and the “central issue” of women in the priesthood. (Page
262)
Irv Kaage, an architect in Illinois, discovered the Writings as a teenager and has
spent years studying the Heavenly Doctrines. He shared his version of the “95 Theses”
with the Rev. Dr. Ray Silverman of Bryn Athyn College, who was greatly impressed
with Irv’s scholarship and perspective, and offers commentary for many of his “theses.”
(Page 268)
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